The pick of this weekend's FA Cup fifth-round action is undoubtedly Chelsea's encounter with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. With Guus Hiddink's Chelsea side still floating in the bottom half of the Premier League table, and trailing after the first leg of their Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain, the FA Cup could well represent their last realistic shot at silverware this season. They certainly won't want to pass up the opportunity.
Chelsea vs. Manchester City 2016: Time, TV schedule and how to watch FA Cup online
Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for their FA Cup fifth-round tie on Sunday.
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Manchester City, however, are still competing on a remarkable four fronts. Consecutive home defeats to title rivals Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur have dealt their title hopes a big blow, but Manuel Pellegrini won't want to give up hope of getting his hands on a second Premier League crown before he departs in the summer. Their hectic fixture list has seen them pick up several injuries, and Pellegrini may well opt to field a slightly rotated squad to avoid any more. Chelsea will rightly fancy their chances.
Key player: Willian (Chelsea)
It has been a disappointing season for most of Chelsea’s first team, but one bright spark has been provided by winger Willian. The Brazilian international has been in some fine form throughout the campaign, mixing industry with ingenuity, and providing both defensive solidity and attacking invention. He’s just about every manager’s dream, and could well enjoy some success in City’s notoriously dodgy left-back area.
Recent history
Chelsea have failed to beat Manchester City in their last four attempts, having lost two and drawn the others. They’ve not won one of these clashes since March 2014, and suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat in their last meeting with the Citizens. That said, City haven’t beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a competitive fixture since the 2013 FA Cup, and home advantage could well make the difference once again.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Kurt Zouma (knee); Radamel Falcao (groin). In doubt: Alexandre Pato (fitness); John Terry (hamstring).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala, Jesús Navas (hamstring); Kevin De Bruyne (knee); Fabian Delph (calf). In doubt: Bacary Sagna (knee), Wilfried Bony (calf).
Chelsea will certainly be without Zouma and Falcao, while Pato and Terry both face late fitness tests. They’re still in a much better position than City, who have several first-team regulars unavailable. Their biggest miss is midfielder De Bruyne, who continues to recover from a knee injury. Sagna and Bony are both early doubts.
Match date/time: Sun., 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: FOX Sports 2 (U.S.); Sportsnet World (Canada); BBC One (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go (U.S.); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BBC iPlayer live (U.K.)
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